I have fear of heights. I get a little dizzy even by just looking down while on a mall escalator or walking near the large glass windows on the third floor of a 30-storey building. I thought I would someday “outgrow” it, but now that I’m old (err, old enough), I’ve finally given up hope. 🙂
However, I have learned to manage this fear that those around me seldom notice how scared I become near the edge of anything above my own height. I usually bite my tongue in order to avoid screaming like I used to when I was younger, or I simply never look down.
The other day I attended a meeting where I’ve learned how important it is to reach for the proverbial heights. By listening to the remarks made by a general authority, I realized that we ought to let our light so shine and not be afraid of showing our works in order to strengthen another—thereby taking us to a higher, more glorious ground.
I always thought that keeping our accomplishments within ourselves was the modest way to go, but I discovered that there are times when sharing our achievements will help empower our fellowmen to reach for their potentials. It is our intention that makes all the difference.
So, YES!! Let us aim high and not be afraid of the challenges that we may encounter along the way—for there will be many. And even when we get scared at times and feel like screaming, let us hold it together until we reach our worthiest goals. I have faith that after all we can do, He will be there to catch us when we’ve already given our very best and yet we still find ourselves lacking or perhaps sometimes even a little bit dizzy.
Take care of yourselves everybody! Reach for the stars and enjoy the rest of the week!! 🙂

People all around the world were moved by the recent catastrophe that hit Japan. I watched in the news a rescued man speaking about his survival experience and although he spoke in Japanese, I could feel and understand the sadness and trauma that he underwent after his ordeal. An old woman clung to a tree the entire evening for dear life and was rescued the following day. Buildings and homes were destroyed beyond anything anyone has ever imagined. The wrath and power of nature was only to be endured with utmost acquiescence and without question.
Through my years of existence, I learned that no matter what race we come from, whatever language we speak, whosoever we worship, we have similar innate characteristics that prove to me that we all come from the same source and are undeniably all connected as an entire human race.
In the midst of this calamity, tensions had been set aside for a moment among countries. Nations sent all they could to support and assist Japan in their current needs. The resilience of people was remarkable and it was touching to see the overflow of human kindness during this time of grief and loss.
Yet no matter how negative this experience was for many people, a lot of us also learned numerous positive things that will remain in our hearts for a long time. This experience taught me that even strong nations and seemingly independent, affluent countries still appreciate offers of assistance coming from their neighbors in times of trials and adversity. Similarly, our fellowmen who seem strong and independent will appreciate our support and encouragement in times of trials in their lives.
It was also admirable to see how the Japanese people remained calm and focused in spite of the overwhelming devastation that gripped their country. Collectively, they had the determination to rebuild their homes and individually extended help to those who needed it. Survivors orderly lined up and waited for whatever basic relief commodities were distributed to them. A spirit of unity was prevalent across the land.
In our times of trial, we can learn from their example by being still and enduring the tribulation with patience and faith and being grateful for the moral support of our friends and family and the Divine help that is always extended to those who seek it.
It may take a few months or a few years before Japan can get its nation back to where it was before the earthquake, but the lessons we’ve learned should very well not be forgotten.